Northampton BID

From the Collection: Drawings
2026-06-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-28 12:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) and 3 more dates | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
An exhibition of drawings from the Northampton Museums & Art Gallery collection.
This exhibition explores drawing as a fundamental artistic language, presenting preparatory sketches and finished works that reveal how ideas take shape on paper. Through the delicate studies of Henry Moore, the atmospheric sketches of Walter Sickert, the imaginative designs of Sir Edward Burne Jones, and the expressive drawings of Clare Abbatt, amongst others, visitors are invited to consider drawing not merely as a preliminary step but as an art form in its own right. The works on display highlight how artists across different periods and practices use line, tone, and observation to experiment, problem solve, and refine their vision. Together, they celebrate drawing’s enduring role as a tool for exploration, invention, and creative thinking.

Rose Finn Kelcey: House Rules
2026-06-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-06-30 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-03 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-07 10:00 - 17:00 | NN Contemporary, Vulcan Works, northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1EW, United Kingdom
Arts Collective launches its new gallery programme with an exhibition revisiting the pioneering work of British conceptual artist Rose Finn-Kelcey, curated by Emer Grant. This marks the first presentation of the artist’s work in her hometown of Northampton.
Featuring photographic, installation and video works loaned from national collections and archives, the exhibition recontextualises Finn-Kelcey’s groundbreaking practice through architectural space and coded forms. It considers how formal systems and power structures shape experience through architecture, language, ritual and atmosphere.
Exhibited publicly for the first time since its original installation, Bar Doors (1991) captures architectural thresholds, foregrounding moments of passage between spaces. The photographic documentation of Finn-Kelcey’s site-specific installation—seven saloon-style doors installed in a Houston city park—invites viewers to reconsider familiar architectural features as markers of access and permission.
The exhibition also explores Finn-Kelcey’s fascination with spirituality and its connections to the commercial and domestic structures of contemporary life, featuring works such as It Pays to Pray (1990), God Kennel – A Tabernacle (1992) and Jolly God (1997). Her iconic flag works are also presented, including documentation of Power for the People (1972), in which a collective political declaration was placed directly onto the monumental architecture of Battersea Power Station while it remained operational.
Throughout the exhibition, architecture, movement and attention shape how the works are encountered. Finn-Kelcey’s work offers a lens through which to experience 24 Guildhall Road as an active structure—shaped by play, language and collective imagination.

Image Credit: Rose Finn-Kelcey Bar Doors (Photograph of installation) 1991
Wood, Houston International Festival, Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston, Texas. USA
©The Estate of Rose Finn-Kelcey. Courtesy the Estate and Kate MacGarry

Mini Museum Explorers – April – July 2026
2026-06-26 10:15 - 11:45, 2026-07-03 10:15 - 11:45 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Booking essential, includes refreshments.
Embark on a magical journey with Mini Museum Explorers!
Every Friday morning, our beloved hands-on sessions invite curious little adventurers aged 2.5 to 5 years—and their grown-ups—into a world bursting with creativity and discovery.
Each week brings a brand-new adventure filled with captivating stories, joyful music, imaginative art, and playful crafts. Explore the museum in a warm, welcoming space where imaginations take flight and new friendships bloom.
And while your little explorer enjoys a tasty treat, you can relax with a well-deserved tea or coffee. It’s the perfect way to start your Friday—with fun, learning, and a sprinkle of museum magic!
17 April – Comic Capers
24 April – Dragons and Castles
1 May – May Day
8 May – Soldiers and Warriors
15 May – Truly Scrumptious!
22 May – Gardens and Plants
5 June – All the colours of the Rainbow
12 June – Animal Adventures
19 June – Smartest Giant in Town
26 June – Doctors and Nurses
3 July – Transport
10 July – Sailing the Seas
These sessions are perfect for children aged 2.5 to 5 years, accompanied by parents or carers (no ticket needed for adults). Spaces are limited, so early booking is essential!

Craft and chatter
2026-06-26 12:30 - 14:00, 2026-07-03 12:30 - 14:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
If you’re looking for a way to unwind after a busy week or just want to make some new crafting friends, come along with your chosen craft to these friendly informal sessions.
They take place every Friday lunchtime in the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery lower café area.
Drop in – no booking required but please purchase a drink or something to eat from the cafe.

POWERCHILD
2026-06-27 21:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
POWERCHILD – LIVE & LOUD

Get ready to turn it up! Powerchild are bringing back a full-throttle night of iconic anthems and pure rock energy.

They’ll be smashing out the very best covers from:

Alice in Chains
Nirvana
Rage Against the Machine
Foo Fighters
Green Day
… and many more legendary rock heavyweights!

Expect huge riffs, massive choruses, and all the raw 90s/00s alt-rock attitude you love.

If you’re ready to sing it loud and feel every power chord — Powerchild have got you covered.

Thursday Morning Talks: April – July 2026
2026-07-02 10:30 - 12:00 | Northampton Museum And Art Gallery, 4-6 Guildhall Rd,, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1DP, United Kingdom
Cost: £3.50 per talk or £21 for a series ticket

Includes tea, coffee and biscuits
Booking Essential
Join us for the Summer series of these seven engaging talks covering a wide range of topics, including local history, cultural heritage, notable figures, and the evolution of our communities. Whether you’re curious about the past, passionate about storytelling, or simply enjoy learning something new, these talks offer something for everyone. Delivered by knowledgeable speakers in a friendly and welcoming setting, each talk invites you to explore stories that have shaped our local identity and continue to inspire us today.
Thursday 16 April
The Roles of a Supporting Artiste
Speaker: Robert Brewer
Discover the behind-the-scenes world of a TV and film extra. Robert shares stories from his work on Hollywood blockbusters, TV dramas, soaps, comedies, and even a few adverts.
Thursday 30 April
Northampton Saints & the Second World War
Speaker: Graham McKechnie
BBC Radio Northampton sports editor and Saints club historian Graham McKechnie explores the remarkable wartime experiences of Saints players who served around the world — in the air, at sea, in North Africa, the Far East, and Normandy.
Thursday 14 May
The Surprise of My Life
Speaker: Rosie Rushton
An extraordinary personal story. They say life is full of surprises — but sometimes the biggest one doesn’t arrive until you’re 75. Join Rosie as she uncovers a mystery that has lingered since childhood.
Thursday 4 June
The Development of the Great American Songbook
Speaker: Melody Flyte
Hear how Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, the Gershwins and their contemporaries transformed popular music and musical theatre. Melody will perform in vintage costume, featuring classics including You’re the Top, Over the Rainbow, and Ain’t Misbehavin’.
Thursday 18 June
The Remains of Annie Pritchard
Speaker: Kate Philbin
In 1892, a dismembered body was discovered near the Althorp Estate. This talk tells the chilling story of Annie Pritchard and her neighbour Andrew MacRae, who was convicted and hanged for her murder at Northampton Gaol.
Thursday 2 July
Food Glorious Food
Speaker: J.P. Carr
An illustrated journey through Northamptonshire’s eating and shopping habits. Discover national brands with local roots, much-loved food manufacturers, and traditional county recipes.
Thursday 16 July
10 Years of The Good Loaf
Speaker: Suzy Van Roogen
A look back at a decade of baking Northamptonshire’s finest bread while supporting those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Book a Thursday Morning Talk series ticket
Book a Thursday Morning Talk individual ticket
Tickets are also available to purchase from the museum direct, either in person of by calling 01604 526322, Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays 12-5pm.

BIKE NIGHTS
2026-07-02 17:00 - 23:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
All are welcome, show off your ride.

KARAOKE NIGHT PARTY.
2026-07-02 20:00 - 23:00 | The Optimist, 23-25 St. Giles Street, Northampton,, NN1 1JA
Every Thursday 8pm – Close, Karaoke is back! Come and sing your favourite songs with your friends or family, Students come and enjoy your Student deal drinks, cheaper then anywhere in town! Make a night of it Live At The Optimist!

THE ABBA DAY PARTY
2026-07-04 15:00 - 20:00 | Roadmender, 1 Lady's Ln, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 3AH, United Kingdom

THE BEAULOCKS
2026-07-04 21:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
Ultimate 70s Punk & Ska Tribute Specialists
The Beaulocks are a no-holds-barred, in-your-face celebration of the golden age of punk and ska.
Built for sweaty rock pubs, iconic back rooms and properly loud nights, this band delivers a relentless, high-energy set packed with the raw attitude and anthems that defined a generation.
Expect classics from Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Damned, Ramones, Buzzcocks, Sham 69, The Specials, Bad Manners, Motörhead, The Jam and more — performed with conviction, chaos, and zero compromise.
This isn’t a polite tribute night.This is shout-along choruses, bouncing floors, flying pints and full-throttle nostalgia.
With tight musicianship, relentless energy and crowd-pulling singalongs, The Beaulocks turn any venue into a 1977 riot — only with better sound and a fully stocked bar.
Punk rock. Ska. Anthems. No filler.

DEBRA SUSAN & RITCHIE DAVE PORTER
2026-07-05 18:00 | The King Billy Music Bar, 2 Commercial Street, Northampton, NN1 1PJ, United Kingdom
Debra & Ritchie Porter , an award-winning original duo , performing their own music alongside classic rock ’n’ roll covers from legends such as Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix and more.In August 2024, they were crowned International Duo of the Year in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) for our original music.
